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1. Tackling: The tackling from the front seven was vastly improved. The open field variety from the secondary still leaves much to be desired and if the Ravens don’t clean that up, look for big plays from opposing offenses this season.

2. Matt Elam: Lost in Space comes to mind and if Elam’s play doesn’t start to ascend soon he’ll be in DANGER of being labeled a bust. Or is that already happening? Let’s keep in mind many said the same about Jimmy Smith. Whatever your opinion, shake up the 4 letters of Elam’s last name and you’ll get how his play has looked thus far.

3. Back-up O-Line: The starters are a given for the moment but on Saturday they took a step backward. Of concern is the play of Eugene Monroe who at this point in the preseason doesn’t appear any more effective in pass pro than recent memories of Bryant McKinnie.

The standout back-up was tackle James Hurst who started OTA’s and camp extremely slowly but has come on as of late almost to the point that he seems like a lock to make the team. John Urschel has also rallied while Ryan Jensen has regressed. It’s nearly shocking that the Ravens considered playing him at right tackle during the offseason. Graham “The Turnstile” Parker took snaps in front of Jensen at right tackle. Either that’s an indication that Jensen is good or that he’s been very bad. Taking only 8 snaps suggests the later given his limited NFL experience. As for Jah Reid, he’s about as dependable as a stripper in Key West although that third round investment in him might save the underachiever for one more season.

4. Corners: I thought the corners would be tested heavily by RG3 along with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon – and burned often. I was wrong thanks to workmanlike efforts from Dominique Franks, Chykie Brown and Anthony Levine. All three have to at least tip their caps to the pressure from the front seven and the continued decline in the play of the one-time phenom named Robert Griffin, III.

5. Battle for No. 6 WR: Kamar Aiken had the edge over Jeremy Butler and Deonte Thompson heading into the game. They left the game with Thompson usurping the lead followed by Aiken and Butler respectively. Thompson should be on the 53-man squad if he performs well on Thursday (unless there’s a trade). You can’t teach speed although inconsistencies have plagued Thompson’s career.

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About Tony Lombardi

Tony is 24x7 Networks, LLC's founder (the parent of EutawStreetReport.com and RussellStreetReport.com) His work has been featured on various sports websites and he is a regular guest on 105.7 The Fan and CBS Sports 1300. Among his favorite things in life are his wife, kids, family, friends, The Beatles, Breaking Bad, Gladiator, Guinness, Orange Crushes and Key West, not necessarily in that order. Follow Tony on Twitter @RSRLombardi. More from Tony Lombardi

Lombardi’s Way - A column from the 24×7 founder that focuses on the Ravens, the NFL, Baltimore, the world of sports or life’s inspirations.

Word on The Street - In the spirit of the CBS Sports Minute with Boomer Esiason, RSR brings you Word on The Street, a 90 second (or less) podcast on topics exclusively relating to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens Links - We’ll give you the best stories about the Ravens from around the web three times per week.

Fanimal - If you are an animal about the Baltimore Ravens, then you are a Fanimal! Follow the Russell Street Report blog Fanimal Crackers!

The Edgar Awards - The Edgar Awards will range from the Maryland county that is home to the best Ravens fans to the best Ravens podcast; from the best collection of displaced fans to the best local craft brews that should be part of your next tailgating party.

The Road to RSR - Our writers explains their journeys as fans and how they came to write for our little corner of sports media.